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Summary
Few shows have left as lasting an impact asBuffy the Vampire Slayer. With its blend of horror, action, humor, and deep character development, the series redefined the supernatural genre and gave fans a beloved universe that continued through the spin-offAngel. Despite ending years ago, the franchise maintains a passionate following, and with reboots and continuations becoming increasingly common, many hope that various characters fromBuffywill return in some form in the revival series. If that happens, two familiar faces absolutely need to be a part of it in, Angel and Spike.
These two characters were more thanjust Buffy’s love interests; they each had significant arcs that delved into redemption, sacrifice, and what it means to be a hero. Their journeys weren’t simply about fighting evil—they were about evolving, finding purpose, and confronting their past sins. However, their stories remain somewhat unresolved. Both had aspirations of becoming human again, and their fates were left ambiguous inAngel’sfinale. Given the passage of time, bringing them back may pose a challenge, but the show has already laid the groundwork for how they could return in a meaningful and natural way.
The Perfect Explanation For A Buffy The Vampire Return
One of the biggest logistical hurdles inbringing back Angel and Spikeis that the actors—David Boreanaz and James Marsters—have aged, while vampires in theBuffyuniverse are supposed to be immortal and unchanging. However, both characters had long expressed a desire to become human again, making this a perfect in-universe explanation for why they now appear older.
Angel’s entire journey inAngelwas partially fueled by the prophecy of Shanshu, which suggested that after playing a pivotal role in an apocalypse, he could be rewarded with mortality. Though the series left this fate unresolved, a continuation could reveal that the prophecy was finally fulfilled. The same could apply to Spike, who, despite his rebellious nature, had increasingly shown signs of longing for something beyond his undead existence.
This development wouldn’t just solve the aging issue—it would also create incredible storytelling opportunities.How would Angel adapt to lifewithout his superhuman abilities? Would he embrace his humanity, or would he struggle with feeling powerless? Would Spike thrive, or would he find himself regretting the loss of his vampiric edge? A revival could explore their adjustments to human life while still allowing them to play a major role in whatever supernatural conflict arises.
The Heroic Sacrifice: One Returns, One Is Lost
If a revival or sequel cannot accommodate both characters, there’s another powerful way to handle their return: one of them could come back to reveal that the other has made the ultimate sacrifice.
TheBuffyuniverse has never shied awayfrom tragic yet meaningful deaths, and given Angel and Spike’s long histories of heroic self-sacrifice, it would be fitting if one of them died in service of a greater cause. Perhaps one gave his life to prevent an apocalypse or to protect Buffy or another beloved character. The returning vampire—whether it be Angel or Spike—could serve as a messenger, carrying the weight of his fallen comrade’s sacrifice while continuing the fight against evil.
This approach would add emotional depth to their return while honoring the core theme of redemption that has always defined both characters.If Spike returns, he could recount Angel’s final heroic act, and vice versa. The impact of such a reveal would be immense, especially if the show allowed space for the surviving character to grieve and reflect on their shared history.
If the writers wanted to take it further, they could introduce a new character connected to the fallen hero—perhaps a protégé, a child (thanks to some mystical loophole), or an heir to their legacy. This would create a bridge between the old and new generations whilekeeping the spirit of Angel or Spike alive.
A Cameo Is the Bare Minimum
Even if a full-fledged return isn’t possible, it’simperative that Angel and Spike at least make a cameo in the futureBuffyproject. Their presence was too significant to be ignored, and even a brief appearance would add authenticity and emotional weight to a revival.
There are several ways this could happen. They could appear in visions or flashbacks, offering guidance to Buffy or another character. Alternatively, one or both of them could show up in a crucial moment, delivering key information before returning to the shadows. Even a short scene confirming their fate—whether they found peace in humanity or continued their fight elsewhere—would be better than leaving their stories forever unresolved.
Ultimately,Buffy the Vampire Slayerisn’t complete withoutwrapping up the stories of Angel and Spike. They were not just central to Buffy’s story but also to the broader themes of the show: redemption, love, sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil. Whether they return as humans, as tragic figures, or in brief but powerful cameos, their presence is essential for any continuation of the franchise. Their stories deserve closure, and fans deserve to see what became of two of the most iconic characters in supernatural television. Would a return be challenging? Absolutely. But if anyone can find a way to make it work, it’s theBuffyuniverse.
